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Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Just wanted to say a big thank you for all the blog love I've been getting lately, it puts a big smile on my face! I want to share the love and do a series on some of my favourite blogs! So here is post number one!

These two sisters, Elsie and Emma, have got it going on. Their blog has everything: crafts, photography, recipes, decor, fashion and beauty! They are my top overall blog. I think one of the most impressive things about their blog, is the crafts section. I may be bias, as I am a huge fan of crafting, sewing, and crochet, but these ladies are so inspiring. They are fearless with their crafts and they keep everything very hip/young! A Beautiful Mess also has some of the best giveaways/contests I have every seen on a blog/just in life!

Here’s an outfit I put together to do a little shop in my new romping ground, Muswell Hill! It’s definitely Autumn outside and I have been feeling very inspired by all the falling leaves and crisp air! I find myself reaching for this jumper most days recently! I am starting to miss my fall wardrobe that I have left behind.

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Normally I tend to stay away from talking about auditions on my blog and social media, but I decided to make an exception for this one.

A little bit of good luck from my roommate!!!

On October 1st, I got in line for the open call for A Chorus Line, West End. I was 1 of 700 people that auditioned, number 172 to be exact. I woke up at 5:45 in the morning, after not getting much sleep due to nerves and packing. I had everything all laid out and ready to go. I ate breakfast and put on my full stage make-up, minus the lips. No one should ever wear that much make-up so early in the morning. I looked out my window and of course it was raining! I layered up: hat, scarf, gloves, and umbrella and head out the door. For those of you that know me well, you will know that I'm not a morning person. I repeat I am NOT a morning person.

The line behind me. Although it was tough getting up early, I am so thankful that I did.

I ended up arriving at the Palladium Theatre at about 7:30am, to find that the queue wasn't too bad. I grabbed a tea and got in line. It wasn't long before I met my first audition pal, Nicola. We started playing the game of guessing who was joining the queue to audition. I'm telling you now, this game proved to be very entertaining, partly because you can spot a dancer from a mile away. We later met another new friend, Mel. It was so nice to meet such lovely people, especially in such a stressful situation. It was great to have new pals to joke with.

Excited, tired and very nervous! That's Mel popping out from behind me. Laughs!

The queue started moving around 9:15am. We didn't get our audition numbers till about 11am, turns out that the small looking line in front of us was actually 170 people. Hurry up and wait was the name of the game. I kept saying that it was like going to the airport, but we had to wait outside in the rain. The 3 of us were so excited that we got in, it didn't matter much. We got into the 1st holding room where there were already dancers trying to warmup from outside. I quickly changed, put on my red lipstick, and started stretching. It was just like the documentary Every Little Step. In round 1 they wanted to see a double ballet pirouette on each side. I had to keep reminding myself "You've pirouetting for about 15 years, you can do this". Although I was forcing myself to think positive, it's hard not to get nervous. We waited for around an hour, then finally it was our turn to turn.

"Can we get numbers 150 - 200 on stand-by, please." That's us, we quickly grabbed our things and headed into the theatre. That was my first time ever in the Palladium, one of the biggest theatres in the West End and I headed right up the stars, onto the stage. I tucked my things away and got into the right line. Baayork Lee (the original 'Connie' and choreographer of the revival productions) herself explained what they wanted to see from us. "Please say your name. Tendu prepare, clean double on the right. Land in a lunge. Tendu left, prepare, pirouette on the left." We were off to the races and it was terrifying. I tried to keep smiling, but it was difficult as I saw people battling the Marley floor and character shoes around me. It was not an easy feat. I could feel my breath get shorter and shorter as it came closer to my turn. Finally, it was go time. I decided to introduce myself. "Hi, I'm Chelsea Preston", I was the first, and I believe only 'American' accent in my group. I tendued, prepared double to the right - nailed it! Hooray! Now for the left...tendu, prepare, double pirouette and I landed it. Not as smoothly as the right, but I landed it. I was shaking from the nerves. That was definitely one of the most nerve-racking things I've had to do in my career/life. Do a double in from of about 70 people in dead silence, I'd be alright if I never had to do that again. I waited for everyone else to finish turning and then they had a few minutes to discuss and organize themselves about who was moving on. It was exactly like the film. "If we don't call your number, thank you for your time". All I was thinking was "I just want to dance! Please, just let me dance!"

Monday, October 8, 2012

Here are some pictures from an amazing day I had last month! I ventured into Covent Garden midday and wondered around while waiting to meet up with my friend Brian. There are so many cute shops and here are a few examples. After some adventuring, Brian accompanied me to watch my first West End show, Sweeny Todd (with Imelda Staunton and Michael Ball)! It was pretty amazing, to say the least!

This was an amazing band entertaining the crowd with their stringed instruments and dance skills!

This is a very cute and colourful cupcake shop, it was very difficult not to try one of their little cupcakes! I was trying to be 'good'.

I spent an hour wondering around the National Gallery, which was picture perfect! I felt like I was in a film.

Looking at Big Ben through Trafalgar Square. Brian and I decided to go take a closer look at Big Ben, since I hadn't been up close and personal yet!

Buckingham Palace.

You can't take the bevel out of the show girl. I need to learn how to stand like a normal human being!

Getting closer!

Very close!

This is probably one of my favourite shots! That's my little sister, Nicola and the London Eye.